Leeds United players were emotional as manager Javi Gracia and director of footbal Victor Orta said their farewells this week.
Both men were sacked this week.
"It was my birthday, May 1. It was a phone call," Gracia told The Athletic, referring to chairman Andrea Radrizzani.
"It was a call to explain the situation. It was all handled correctly by the club. I have to accept the decision from the club's owner and that's it.
"When we arrived, we were 19th in the table. In my first training session, we had 11 players injured and we trained with 10 healthy outfield players.
"This was not easy. It was only because of the will of the players and exceptional hard work by the medial team, everyone pulling in the same direction. Then we went and beat Southampton.
"Bit by bit, we got some players back and the team grew. But the inflexion point was against Palace.
"I had the feeling that the players felt a little like a boxer who had been hit, who is down for a few moments and wants to get up but he is not able to.
"It is sure that it transmitted something negative that did not correspond with what I believe my players really are."
It's suggested Orta and Gracia delivered emotional farewell speeches to the players and coaching staff, some of whom were in tears.
Gracia added: "I can honestly say my time at Leeds has been an enriching experience, and the human qualities of Victor Orta have been an authentic pleasure to be around.
"It was one of the places in my career where they have made me feel good and comfortable in myself."